Ideas in Indiana

Sagamore believes that innovation and positive change occurs when the best ideas join with leaders who can put them into practice. Thus, Sagamore strives to be a meeting place for public policy innovators and reformers as well as for those seeking to develop an informed citizenry. Based upon Sagamore’s belief that public policy belongs to all the public, not just government officials, we sponsor forums and roundtable discussions, such as “Ideas in Indiana,” that place citizens at the center of the conversation with a bias for action rather than debate. Sagamore’s fellows supply first-rate objective research to stimulate strategic, action-oriented partnerships among creative individuals and institutions, many of whom would be unlikely to talk to one another without the occasion of such a forum. Sagamore’s events are often timed in tandem with key issues of the day, “best practices” being tested on the ground, an academic conference, or some other collaborative activity. These opportunities foster an on-going conversation among a wide range of multi-sector leaders and provide participants an opportunity to work together to design and implement concrete programs.

"Extreme Makeover-Home Edition" selected Bernard McFarland, IPS employee and single father of three sons, to receive a new house and adjacent library/mentoring center. Builder Paul Estridge agreed to lead the construction.

A theme of Sagamore's event was how to mobilize the hundreds of Indiana organizations connected to China to promote trade and investment opportunities in a way similar to Governor-led economic development missions to Japan in the 1980s.

The economic crisis has drawn attention to the damage inflicted on poor families and communities, and on the economy as a whole, by predatory lending practices and a more general lack of financial literacy.